"FIRES OF BABYLON" with their self titled debut album.Their line up is one of highly skilled musicians: guitarist Lou St. Paul("WINTERS BANE"),vocalist Rob Rock(ex-"IMPELITTERRI"),basist Kelly Conlon(ex-"DEATH") and drummer Robert Falzano("SHATTER MESSIAH").In 1990 guitarist Lou St. Paul formed "WINTERS BANE" and since that time has consistently displayed his excellent songwriting skills,playing great riffs and shredding solos.'Metal Heaven Records' asked him to write the material and put together a band to record a classic 80's metal album so "FIRES OF BABYLON" were borned.Rob Rock's extensive discography includes classic albums with "IMPELITTERRI","WARRIOR",Ael Rudi Pell and "M.A.R.S. PROJECT DRIVER".Rob has recorded three excellent solo albums ("Rage Of Creation","Eyes Of Eternity" and "Holy Hell").His latest one "Garden Of Chaos",has just been released.Kelly Conlon is a member of the death metal bands "DEATH" & "MONSTROSITY".Kelly performed on the classic "DEATH" album "Symbolic",as well as the "MONSTROSITY" albums "Millennium" and "In Dark Purity".Kelly is also working with his own band,"INFINITY MINUS ONE".Robert Falzano while with "ANNIHILATOR" met guitarist Curran Murphy and both of them formed their own outfit,"SHATTER MESSIAH"."FIRES OF BABYLON" is a power metal/melodic metal 80's style album,with strong songs and solid music.

"YEAR LONG DISASTER" with their self titled debut album.Pure and clean,like comming straight from the 70's,heavy rock,with killer riffs,great rythm and good songs.The band’s singer and guitar player is Daniel Davies,son of "THE KINKS" Dave Davies.Rounding out the band’s line-up is bassist Rich Mullins (formerly of stoner/psychedelic rock band "KARMA TO BURN") and drummer Brad Hargreaves (of alt pop darlings "THIRD EYE BLIND").-Strange combination for a band-.The result is a great blend of classic rythm rock with hard rock,up to the point of just touching,but not being,just an idea of metal.For sure one of the very good releases for this year,that until now,it is not a disaster for rock music.

"THE DIRTBOMBS" with their fourth full-length album,"WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED".The album is full of the Detroit style,garage punk,fuzztone rock'n'roll sounds,that made them so popular,the past years."THE DIRTBOMBS" are also known for their tasteful selection of cover tunes as much their stunning originals.And this record carries on the tradition with fantastic takes on songs by comic artist Alan Moore,"PORTLAND","DEAD MOON" and "LABELMATES SPARKS".

"SAHG",Norwegian metalers,with their new release for 2008,"SHG II".Since their 2006 debut,("SAHG I"),the band has left their black mark on two continents and made much rumble along the way."SAHG II" continues the metal tradition.Propably one of the best power metal albums of the year.As guitarist / vocalist Olav Iversen said: "the songs are more diverse because we have allowed ourselves to think more freely and be more receptive to a wider range of inspiration.There are so many directions we want to explore with this band and this is just what we had time for in this round".

Guitarist Paul Gilbert with his second all instrumental album "SILENCE FOLLOWED BY A DEAFENING ROAR".Last year Paul Gibert toured on the legendary G3 tour in support of Joe Satriani and confirmed to a younger audience what Gilbert fans have known for over 20 years that Paul Gilbert is simply one of the greatest guitarists on the planet today.In terms of fretboard technique the man is a machine.This album is a more rounded collection with some vivid flashbacks to his "RACER X" days and dynamic playing. 

"DEF LEPPARD" Great Britain's premiere arena rock band,is back with a bang-kicking off 2008 with the release of their 14th studio album "SONGS FROM THE SPARKLE LOUNGE".The album contains 11 brand new songs including the highly-anticipated single "Nine Lives" featuring a groundbreaking collaboration with country singer music superstar Tim McGraw.Recorded last year during month-long stints at lead singer Joe Elliott's Dublin studio,the album's title refers to a backstage area called "The Sparkle Lounge" on "DEF LEPPARDS"'s 2006 tour where the band would go to write songs.Tracks from the album have been described by the group as written in the style of "HYSTERIA",with the production of "HIGH 'N' DRY"."The whole record's got a great '70s feel",said lead singer Joe Elliott."By our standards,it's a very different album as we've been very adventurous,musically,on certain numbers.On the album there are classic 'Leppard' songs and then there's also tracks that are very new-wave influenced while others sound like middle-to-late '70s "AC/DC".There will definitely be some moments on it where anybody that's familiar with our music will go,'Whoa! I wasn't expecting that!'". The foundation for the album's collaboration with country music superstar Tim McGraw was layed at "DEF LEPPARDS"'s 2006 'Hollywood Bowl' show where McGraw joined the band on stage for an encore performance of "Pour Some Sugar on Me".The artists stayed in touch following the performance and when the band started writing the song "Nine Lives" they immediately thought of reaching out to McGraw to sing on it.Guitarist Phil Collen flew to Nashville to play it for McGraw who loved it and recorded the song in Nashville shortly after.With more than 65 million albums sold worldwide and two prestigious 'Diamond Awards' to their credit,"DEF LEPPARD"--Joe Elliott (vocals),Vivian Campbell (guitar),Phil Collen (guitar),Rick "Sav" Savage (bass) and Rick Allen (drums),continues to be one of the most important forces in rock music.Over the course of their career,the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the sound for generations of music fans and artists.The group's spectacular live shows,filled with powerful melodic/classic rock anthems,have become synonymous with their name and they are an institution in the touring industry as they continue to sell out arenas worldwide!

"MGMT" with their debut album "ORACULAR SPECTACULAR". That is an album to be handled with care.It is very nice in a strange way.Starts with a techno psycho mix beat of a kind of "BEATLES" influenced song and that feeling of the 60's pop goes on through the album.The two band members,Vanwyngarden and Goldwasser's ability to use the 60's with new sounds is very impressive.If you like the retro modern feeling and the blending the70's, 90's and the 60's,with a lot of fun,glam with pop electro and psychedelic rock'n'roll,then "ORACULAR SPECTACULAR" is one theese albums.

"WITCH" with their second album "PARALYZED".The bands line up is: Dave Sweetapple (bass),J Mascis (drums)(from "DINOSAUR JR") and Kyle Thomas (guitar/vocals)."WITCH" have nothing to do,musically,with "DINOSAUR JR"."PARALYZED" is punk rock based,enough heavy rockish and aggressive.As "WITCH" say: “You don’t have to hit the right note every time.It’s ok,you can have fun with music,it doesn’t need to be life-and-death serious all the time”.And this is the feeling and the attidute throughout the album,trying to sweep aside everything on its way,always having fun.

"ALIBI" with their new release for 2008 and second album,"VOICE OF REASON".The British melodic hard rockers return again with Vince O'Regan on guitars,Rick Chase("MAMA'S BOYS")-vocals,James Wright-drums,Andy Mills-bass and James Screaton-keyboards."ALIBI" play a classic British hard rock / AOR.The difference with American or European AOR,i think is less keyboards and more guitars.Vince O'Regan production talents and guitar playing are well known to his fans.'Escape Music' wasn't interested in releasing the follow-up,but 'Z Records' was."VOICE OF REASON" has catchy tunes,nice guitar playing and solos and a good melodic hard rock rythm.

"CAVALERA CONSPIRACY" with their album "INFLIKTED". Vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera says: "is about a sense of being unleashed.You bottle a monster for 10 years and then let it out.It is explosive and we waited a long time for this beast to be set free". Many said it would never happen,that Max and Iggor Cavalera,the Brazilian brothers and visionaries that formed the groundbreaking metal band "SEPULTURA" in 1983 would reunite to make electrifying music together again.Despite having spent 12 years apart,the inescapable fact remains.Max and Iggor share blood and are musical soulmates.Their time away from each other fostered musical growth leading to the newly inspired metallic magic.So,the "CAVALERA CONSPIRACY" was born.While the band and their 'Roadrunner Records' debut album "INFLIKTED" may seem like the closest we'll get to a "SEPULTURA" reunion,the "CAVALERA CONSPIRACY" has its own maniacal,untamable beast with its own set of rules.

"THE GUTTER TWINS" with their 2008 release "SATURNALIA". Greg Dulli ("AFGAN WINGS") and Mark Lanegan ("SCREAMING TREES"),spent their formative musical years with a generation of music fans who were pessimistic at best.Dulli continued the deathly groove with the "TWILIGHT SINGERS",while Lanegan went solo and as a hired hand for "QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE".Usually their music is dark,but in "SATURNALIA" they seem to smile a bit.Mystical,unpredictable,ultimately masterful,the album both embodies and defies any expectations suggested by their previous principals.Produced by Dulli and Lanegan along with the band's unofficial third member Mathias Schneeberger.Rainy,dry,cold or even frozen reflecting feelings emerge throughout the album keeping the dark rock sounds,sometimes smilling at us.

"DOKKEN" with their new release for 2008 and their tenth studio album,"LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN".The album took its title from a track on the band's 1985 classic album,"UNDER LOCK & KEY",the new songs bring the group's sound full circle."DOKKEN" return to the band's roots for its 'Rhino Records' debut.Don Dokken says: "It's time that our brand of music is still valid,Our goal was to create an album that was our best since our heyday".Many are accusing Don Dokken that he cannot sing like he used to do in the 80's.It is almost true,but then again how could he still be the same after all these years? The "DOKKEN" sound like before and they try really good to do it.Jeff Scott Soto is doing the backing vocals.Guitarist Jon Levin has produced and did his best to make this album as good and as closest it can be to the old and cllasic heday sound of "DOKKEN"."LIGHTNING STRIKES AGAIN" has a great production,strong and memorable songs,good rythm and those that undrestand that we all grow older,will also accept the small difference in Don's voice.

"FROZEN RAIN" with their debut album,"FROZEN RAIN".The band is a personal project from the Belgian born Kurt Vereecke.Since he was a child,Kurt was fascinated by music,but when he discovered AOR,then his dream came alive.Kurt started his career as a singer & guitar player,but soon he switched to keyboards.In 2001 he started the preparations for the "FROZEN RAIN" album.He wrote new songs with the Sweedish lyricist Andy Flash and in search for good musicians.In 2002 the recordings started.In "FROZEN RAIN" project are involved: Tommy Denander,Steve Newman,Daniel Flores,Jim Santos,Johan Waem,Ollie Oldenburg,Ward Snauwaert and more! The production was made by 'Avenue Of Allies Music',a German record company ,specialized in AOR and melodic rock and the album was released in the beggining of 2008."FROZEN RAIN",a typicall pure AOR album,is full of catchy melodies,awesome guitars,powerful drums,sparkling keyboards and very good vocals.Each song in this album can stand out alone for the performance and musicianship.

Italian prog-rockers "LOOKING 4 A NAME" with their 2008 release "TETRAGRAM".The project "LOOKING 4 A NAME" was born in december 2001 from the collaboration between Francesco Panico (guitar) and Larsen Premoli (keys).The original line-up was completed by Deneb Bucella (drums) and Sandro Leoni (bass).The band started as an atypical cover band: the live tracklist was in fact made of classic hard rock tunes mingled with kicks and licks clearly inspired by the pure metal-progressive style.In March 2003 Deneb was replaced by the skilled drummer Mauro Bonini.Further on,in 2004 Sandro was replaced by the current outstanding bass player Federico Ghioni.Thanks to the constant stage and studio activity,the band was able to quickly refine its groove and sound,winning therefore many musical contests for young bands.Beside the developement of new covers,very soon rose up the strong willing to write and play new and original material: this led them to record its first promo-album “Looking for...”,which is a synthesis of tradition and creativity,coming from new ideas and different experiences,a complex and sophisticated album,but also light,bright and easy to listen to.After releasing its promo,the band forged a clear direction: the amount of covers was gradually reduced in order to increase the number of original songs in the tracklist.In September 2005 the line-up was once again altered: former drummer Deneb Bucella was called upon again.Short later,good reviews of “Looking for...” began to appear on many webzines and magazines: they showed a great enthusiasm for the promo-album and their excitement encouraged the band to start working on a new studio album."TETRAGRAM" followed: the first full-lenght signed,a vast concept album where different musical influences,fine sound and great care to the storyboard are carefully mixed to let the listener experience a real progressive voyage.The project is the result of 21 months of hard work and has been completely produced and supervised by the band in its studio.In june 2007 the band was selected out of 2500 different bands coming from all around Italy to perform in preview its new work on the first day of the “Heineken Jammin Festival” in Mestre (Venice)."TETRAGRAM" was officially released by 'Valery Records' in Italy.

"COUNTING CROWS" with their new release "SATURDAY NIGHTS & SUNDAY MORNINGS".Five years later since their last album in 2002 ("HARD CANDY") and over 20 million albums sold worldwide,eight Top 5 singles and three records that have broken the Top 5 on the Billboard 200,"COUNTING CROWS" are back.As Adam Duritz said: "It's a "COUNTING CROWS" album.We're back.We were only ever as far gone as you can go.It is the story of what happens when all the bright lights start to burn instead of glitter and you become more of a part of the shadow they cast behind you than the person you are in front.Produced in two parts by Gil Norton & Brian Deck,it's about a flood of sin and liquor and dissolution and insanity and it's about trying to rebuild the life you wrecked in the wake of that flood. It's about the way it feels.It's about me".The band was formed in California’s Bay Area in 1991, originally the duo of vocalist Adam Duritz and guitar player Dave Bryson.By 1993 they had grown to include bassist Matt Malley, keyboardist Charlie Gillingham and drummer Steve Bowman."SATURDAY NIGHTS & SUNDAY MORNINGS" is their first album to feature Jim Borgios on drums and Millard Powers on bass.International versions of the album include the bonus tracks “Baby, I’m A Big Star Now” (UK) and “Wennen aan September (feat. Bløf)” (Dutch).The sound in the album,although it is a typical "COUNTING CROWS",with the passioned vocals and the catchy guitar riffs,includes panjos,piano and a bit of country.Still remains rock,in the first faster part and on the slower second part. 

"THE KOOKS" and their new release for 2008,"KONK".The album was recorded over a six week period at the tail-end of 2007 in Ray Davies’ 'Konk Studios' in north London,plus a week at Los Angeles’ 'Sound Factory'.The sessions once again united the group with esteemed producer Tony Hoffer (Beck / "AIR"/ "THE FRATELLIS").Explaining how he came to suggest the album title,guitarist Hugh says: "I just started thinking how cool the studio is and how much of a part of our sound it is"."KONK" features twelve tracks.In the limited edition there are 2CDs with bonus tracks,demos and alternative versions.There’s ‘Gap’ which is classic "KOOKS" and ‘Shine On’ which finds Luke exploring hitherto unchartered lyrical territory over the loveliest of melodies.First single ‘Always Where I Need To Be’ is a tumbling rocker with a ‘do-do-do, do-do-do-do’ refrain that might just be the catchiest thing they’ve ever done. ‘Sway’ and ‘Mr Maker’ are other album highlights.Alternative rock at its best,good melodies and rythm. 

Subsonic "SUBSONIC" with their new album,"BLOOD GROOVE".The band was born in 1999 as a solo project founded by the multi-talented guitarist,Ron Marks,a third generation composer/musician.His grandfather founded and conducted the 'Carl Marks Concert Band' from the 1920’s through the 1980’s.Ron’s uncle,Carl Jr.,attended Julliard,was a world-class clarinetist and later founded Marks Music store in 1947 which is now owned and operated by Carl III.Ron’s father,Ron Sr.,attended 'Cincinnati Conservatory of Music' and was a consumate jazz musician and arranger in addition to being his son’s mentor.The "SUBSONIC" sound is a fusion of rock and metal with jazz influences,wrapped in a blanket of intriguing lyrics.Two albums have so far been released,"SUPER-VEL" (Outlaw Records) and "NO SUCH SOUL" (Sonic Wave Intl).The music looks at the darker side of society and reaffirms how liberating and essential satire is as a way of finding your own light.It is more diverse and ’radio friendly’ than Ron’s previous musical endeavours,most notably with "CELTIC FROST".This was validated in 2005 with preliminary 'Grammy Nominations' in three categories: 'Best Hard Rock Performance' -"Dream American" from "NO SUCH SOUL",'Best Rock Song'-"Dream American" & 'Best Rock Album' - "NO SUCH SOUL".Although only preliminary nominations it was felt by Ron that because "SUBSONIC" remained a rather unknown commercial commodity,such industry recognition at any level was quite an honour.Ron Marks is a remarkably gifted musician and producer with great versatility.He began playing the drums at 5 years old and by the age of 15 had learnt to play guitar because he wanted to write songs.He also teaches guitar privately at the family music store.Ron has been involved in several music projects throughout his career and joined "CELTIC FROST" after the release of their "INTO THE PANDEMONIUM" album release.This collaboration lasted for just a few short months although he did return briefly to help compose and record "VANITY/NEMESIS" in Berlin.Aside from his work with "SUBSONIC",Ron has an archive of over 400 songs,written,arranged,recorded and produced by himself.It is hoped that this material can be made available to other artists and/or production companies in order to utilise Rons talents to their full potential.In addition Ron is also working on a book of his life as a musician entitled,"DONT MISS ONE"."BLOOD GROOVE",is a rockier and groovier album,with catchy songs,heavy or light riffs when needed,great rythm,also 'radio friendly' and great vocals (sounds like Paul Stanley-"KISS")! The album also includes a rock version of "That's The Way I Like It" (originally by "K.C. And The Sunshine Band"),for those that still remember the '80s."BLOOD GROOVE" is a release by 'Nexiarde Music'. 

"PORCUPINE TREE" with their new EP "NIL RECURRING".The line up in this release is Steven Wilson-vocals,guitars,piano,keyboards,Richard Barbieri-keyboards and synthesizers,Colin Edwin-bass guitars and Gavin Harrison-drums,percussion,tapped guitar.For the EP,they also used these guest musicians: Robert Fripp-lead guitar,John Wesley-backing vocals and Ben Coleman-electric violin.It is a release of B-sides from the previous album of 2007 "FEAR OF A BLANK PLANET", recording sessions,that can stand on their own as an EP and make the connection-continium of "FEAR".Sounds more than jamming recordings,easy listening,coming from a band that keeps experimenting not only with rock,but more with the alternative.

Maria Kizirian and her 2006 release called "ON THE ROCKS".We present Maria and her album now,because of her new cd single called "Retro Man",that was released in 2008.So we meet and learned about Maria just a month ago.First a few words about her.Maria kizirian was borned in Finland in a music family and raised in middle America.From early age she was a violin player andadvancing also to a piano player.'EMI' in Finland courted her and she signed a deal with them.Maria started as a pop artist,but always keeping in mind her love for rock music and names like "HEART and "BON JOVI".In her debut album,"ON THE ROCKS",Maria combines her skills in violin and piano,with classical sounds,pop and rock music.But her biggest talent is her voice.Strong vocals capabilities,that can be into rock,country,blues or pop music in an instant."ON THE ROCKS" includes all of her talents and musical tastes.Moving with no trouble her catchy tunes,from pop to rock and from blues to country sounds.As a songwriter and singer Maria,will start releasing every 2-3 months digital singles and the first of them is "RETRO MAN".This cd single is a clean rock song,based on her great voice and songwriting.

For more informations about Maria Kirizian please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/mariakizirian 

"KINGS X" with their 2008 release "XV".The trio,Doug Pinnick (vocals, bass), Jerry Gaskill (drums) and Ty Tabor (guitars),is back with another great release.Almost flawless rock skills great compositions and with a superb production by sound maestro Michael Wagener in Nashville,Tennessee,the Texan trio have returned to their successful career.According to international music critics and rock gourmets,"KINGS X" are among the most unusual acts in the history of rock music.The technical skills of the trio,are above aproach and their creativity has impressed both their fans and the media."XV" is their fourteenth studio album! "XV" is another great example of "KINGS X" classic groove rock with elegance,power and such crystal clear sound.

"THE PARLOR MOB" with their debut album "AND YOU WERE A CROW".The band was formerly known as "WHAT ABOUT FRANK".Lead singer Mark Melicia,teamed with guitarists Dave Rosen and Paul Ritchie,bassist Nick Villapiano and drummer Sam Bey.Clean hard rock sound,with hard and soft riffs taken out of the '70s when needed,nice rythm and vocals that bring punk-rock ages in mind,"THE PARLOR MOB",keep rock'n'roll alive. 

"P.O.D." with their fifth studio album "WHEN ANGELS AND SERPENTS DANCE" and their first with guitarist Marcos since 2001’s "SATELLITE".P.O.D. (short for Payable On Death) formed in San Ysidro,California,a SoCal community not far from San Diego,in 1992.The seed of P.O.D. was sewn in the friendship between young guitarist Marcos and drummer Wuv,who both shared a background in jazz and reggae,but were heavily into punk bands like Bad Brains and Green Day.Eventually, they started a band with Wuv’s cousin Sonny (who brought a love of hip-hop to the group) and later,bassist Traa,a displaced Cleveland native.During the mid-90’s,"P.O.D." took a very blue collar approach to their music career.The band gigged up and down the west coast,expanding east as word of their sound grew.They founded their own label,'Rescue Records',where they released three Eps of raw rap-metal.Legend holds that the band moved 40,000 copies of those early demos,an unprecedented number for an unsigned band on their own indie.With their name spreading across the underground,it was only a few years of hard gigging before the majors came calling.The band signed a deal with 'Atlantic Records' in 1998."WHEN ANGELS AND SERPENTS DANCE",was released by 'Columbia and INO Records',(their first with Columbia).A mix of metal-rap with metal hip hop and hard rock.At the end the result is more rock than before,which we find it better.

 

"THE RACONTEURS" with their new release for 2008 "CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY".The album follows their 2006 debut album "BROKEN BOY SOLDIERS",which went Top 10,was
Grammy nominated for best rock album and spun off a #1 modern rock hit.Led by singer-songwriter-guitarists Jack White of "THE WHITE STRIPES" and Brendan Benson,the band relocated to Nashville and moved to 'Warner Bros'.Fascinating,engaging and rocking,"CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY" fulfills the promise of the teaming of two masters of power pop-rock scene.Different from their debut album,harder and in times faster and more energetic."CONSOLERS OF THE LONELY",is looking forward to overcome the previous works of White/Benson,moving from punk rock,to garage and power pop-rock.

"FAREWELL" with their new album named "ISN'T THIS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN!?".The bands line up is: Chris Lee (vocals,keyboards),Marshall Davis (vocals),Wil Andrews (guitar),Kevin Carter (guitar),Buddy Bell (bass guitar) and Jeff Ellis (drums).And yes,they do have fun.At least as far as their musicianship and their songs,them boys,really having fun making this record."FAREWELL"'s music is based on explosive powerchords,razor-sharp rhythms and a sense of being in a hurry to get on with it,before you get bored.Theese power-pop rockers are energetic giving catchy songs,probably non of them to stay in music history but good enough to enjoy.After all with music aren't we supposed to have fun?

"ASIA" return with a brand new album named "PHOENIX".Their debut album in 1982 was both ecstatically received and the biggest selling album of the year.It spawned a trio of US top 10 singles in "Heat of the Moment","Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor".Over the greater part of the 80's,"ASIA" racked up 15 million in global record sales! "PHOENIX",their new release is rising "ASIA" from the ashes.The multi-platinum supergroup returns with the first new album featuring the original line up in 25 years.With a revered musical pedigree,Geoff Downes ("YES","THE BUGGLES"),Steve Howe ("YES","GTR"),Carl Palmer ("ATOMIC ROOSTER","ELP","THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN") and John Wetton ("KING CRIMSON","ROXY MUSIC","URIAH HEEP","WISHBONE ASH"),have returned to their hit making roots."PHOENIX" revives the sound that gave "ASIA" radio hits and the fans great heart beats. 

"CROWN OF GLORY" with their debut album "A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE".Switzerland is allready known to us for the great melodic rock/hardrock/metal bands such as "GOTTHARD","KROKUS","CHINA","SHAKRA" and more.Now "CROWN OF GLORY" come with a very promissing debut album to continue that line.The mixing of the album was made by Dennis Ward ("PINK CREAM 69")."A DEEP BREATH OF LIFE" is moving inside that melodic metal gerne,with some epic tracks,some straight metal,some symphonic,some melodic."CROWN OF GLORY" is a new band and the fans will deside when the time comes.

"SECRET AND WHISPER" Canadian rockers with their debut album named,"GREAT WHITE WHALE".The album is full of passion,energetic hard rock,with influences from the new age metal and today's pop-rock,soaring vocals hard and softer melodies,all in a well given package of friendly radio listening sounds.Forming in 2006 when vocalist Charles Furney replaced ex-Stutterfly frontman Chris Stickney,the band changed its name to "SECRET AND WHISPER" to differentiate the sound which the new group hoped to perform from that heard on "STUTTERFLY" albums, "And We Are The Bled of Color" and "Broken In Pieces".Charles Furney vocals are a big part of what defines the bands style,along with high pitched whale cry(singing).Overall is a good solid album,with a good production and "SECRET AND WHISPERS" start making a name for themselves with this emotional musical experience,"GREAT WHITE WHALE".

"THE BLACK CROWES" return after seven years with a brand new release,"WARPAINT".No alternate takes,different versions,or rejected songs from previous albums.Ten brand new 'crowes' songs.All the ingredients that got them started back in their '90 debut "SHAKE YOUR MONEY MAKER" are also in "WARPAINT".Bluesy,country,southern rock music.A little more laid-back siyuation in this album and not much power.In the "THE BLACK CROWES" 18 year history,they have more "former members" than actual band members now.Sven Pipien on Bass has been with them long enough to be considered a veteran.Their former,long-time keyboard player,Ed Harsh finally called it quits in 2006 and has formally been replaced by Adam MacDougall.On,off again,lead guitarist Marc Ford left again in 2006 and has also been replaced by the former North Mississippi Allstars Luther Dickinson,who's doing well.At least Chris Robinson-singer is an unganged and steady value,hopefully together with his brother Rich Robinson!

Chris Catena with his second solo album "DISCOVERY".The Italian singer/guitarist continues also here with the same recipe of famous and less famous guest musicians,as he did also in his first album "FREAK OUT",in 2003.The list of names now includes Janne Stark, Bobby Kimball, Mathias Eklund, Carmine Appice, Tony Franklin, Earl Slick, Tommy Denander, Timothy Drury,and more.Someone would expect a much better result with all these talented names.Not that it is a bad album.These musicians can play and they can play very well,but it seems all together,it gets too much."DISCOVERY" has a great production,great musicianship,good vocals,very good hard rock and rock melodies and songs.The performance is great,and the result,some might say,that could be better.

"THE STONE CIRCLES" from London,U.K.The five member band was formed late last year and recorded that four track demo for a start.Their influences are from the Brit-rock scene,classic rock and psychedelic rock from the '70's,till today.Clean music,well made production,nice vocals,nice riffs,rythm and melody,reminding us all the good taste these boys have for freshing up the good old rock sounds.For more information please visit :

http://www.myspace.com/thestonecircles100

"BLACK MOUNTAIN",the Vancouver,Canada,based retro rock band with their somophore release for 2008,"IN THE FUTURE". "We had tried like a year before to do some new stuff,but it just seemed that everyone was burnt out from touring",explains bassist Matt Camirand.But not all the early sessions were scrapped."We did use some of the tracks from the first recording that did work out",Camirand says."But the week before we went into the studio,we got nine tracks written in five days,which for us is a colossal feat".The group blazed through recording sessions at Vancouver's the Hive, taking two weeks to track and a week to mix."It was kind of a different process,because it was live",lead guitarist/vocalist Stephen McBean says."This one was more rehearsed and was way more collaborative".The result is 10 tracks of hard-hitting,'70s-inspired psychedelic rock,including epic songs as well as acoustic ballads."There's no sense rushing it and putting out something mediocre",McBean says."I think we differ from a lot of bands,who like to go into the studio after touring,because they are tight.For us,one of our strong points is spontaneity".

"R.E.M." with their 14th studio album and new release in four years "ACCELERATE".Their guitar driven alternative rock music,that "RE.M." helped discovered,puts them for one more time in the hall of fame of the gerne."ACCELERATE" was helmed by the band and for the first time with Jacknife Lee (co-producer of "U2"’s 2005 Grammy album of the year "How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb","THE HIVES" and "SNOW PATROL").Michael Stipe even acknowledged the misstep,of the previous album and admitting that the group had lost focus and that he,guitarist Peter Buck and bassist Mike Mills,didn't talk… for a couple of records! "ACCELERATE",comes to prove that this situation was wrong and how fast relationships can be fixed.also the album proves how the "R.E.M." music power can return and 'accelerate' them to match the succes of the past.

"THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" with their 2008 release "THESE ARE THE GOOD TIMES PEOPLE".The first album in four years from the alternative rock band and the first with Andrew McKeag on guitar,replacing Dave Dederer (guitarist and founding member),and bringing Seattle underground producer Kurt Bloch,into their most exciting album so far.Even though this release,may not achive the previous hits,for sure is a more electric and still a clear P.U.S.A. album.Their pop-rock/alternative radio friendly music of the 90's,returns with their reuniting and the voice of Chris Ballew,along with the rest of the presidents,will bring some 'good times to the people'!

Sheryl Crow with her new album "DETOURS".The album chronicles a turbulent period in Sheryl Crow's life,in wich she splits from her husband Lance Armstrong,then discovered she had breast cancer.For an artist who arguably peaked too early with her debut "TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB",the new album is certainly bitter sweet.Reuniting with producer Bill Bottrell has galvanised Sheryl Crow,who previously worked with Crow on her breakthrough debut album,which earned the singer three Grammy Awards and sold more than ten million copies worldwide."This is the most honest record I've ever made.It's about being forced to wake up",says Sheryl Crow.

"DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS" new album,"BRIGHTER THAN CREATION'S DARK" is a southern-country-rock'n'roll great album with 19 songs adding up to over 75 minutes of pure music.The band continues its notorious 3-guitar attack with the promotion of longtime sidekick John Neff to full member.Patterson Hood contributes 9 songs to the album (The Righteous Path, Daddy Needs A Drink),7 songs from Mike Cooley (A Ghost To Most, Lisa's Birthday) and 3 songs from Shonna Tucker (The Purgatory Line).This it the first time Shonna has written the songs for a "DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS" album.All this is enhanced with musical contributions from he legendary Spooner Oldham.As Patterson Hood says about the songs on the album:"stylistically,they run the gamut from old-timey sounding country to a heavy R&B influence.Some songs that are quieter than any we've ever recorded and some that rock harder than anything we've ever done.In the end it's still all Rock and Roll,which is why that will always be the description of choice to us when describing our music in stylistic terms". 

 

"ALLIANCE" with their third album "THE ROAD TO HEAVEN".The band returns with even more melodic rock and all these small things to make their music more catchy to their audience.Robert Berry-vocals & bass("THREE","AMBROSIA","HUSH"),Gary Phil-guitarist ("BOSTON",Sammy Hagar),David Lauser-drumms (Sammy Hagar) and Alan Fitzgerald-keyboards (ex-"NIGHT RANGER").With these musicians and their rich melodic background,the music recipe,is a success.Classic melodic rock tunes,big choruses,good vocals,nice guitar riffs filled and mixed very well together with keyboards and the drum beat."THE ROAD TO HEAVEN" is for sure "ALLIANCE" best work so far.

Ringo Starr,the legendary drummer of "BEATLES",is back with his autobiographical 14th album,"LIVERPOOL 8".The album features 12 new tracks written and produced by Ringo Starr and Dave Stewart ("EURYTHMICS").Ringo Starr still believes in love and his 14th studio album is soaked in it.A third of the songs includes the word "love" in their titles.Ringo Starr reconciles age and playfulness nicely,demonstrating wide-ranging musical interests through his exploration of synthesizers,latin sounds,country pop and gypsy jazz.In his 67 years old,Ringo Starr is still young at heart and he remains,at least in his songs and music,impressively optimistic  and clear.If "LIVERPOOL 8" can make you happy and feel a little bit more love around you,then its purpose will be accomplished!

Bryan Adams with his 2008 release "11".Actually this is the 11th studio album by the Canadian rocker."11" was recorded largely in hotel rooms and backstage dressing rooms around the world during the past two years and features the return of his long time collaborator Jim Vallance on three cuts.The Adams/Vallance partnership was responsible for many of Bryan’s classic hits including ‘Heaven’,’Summer of 69’ and ‘Run To You’.Bryan Adams return in this album is more mellow,more country pop-rock,still the sound and the music are him,but the result in the album will not remind his glory days."11" has a good production,good guitar,cello and keyboards,plus Bryan Adams knows well the tricks of the hooks and the choruses,to use in his songs.

"BAUHAUS with "GO AWAY WHITE".Some comebacks are historical news,like this one! Recorded in 18 days,some tracks in one take,"BAUHAUS" fifth studio album proves that even a quarter-century's hiatus can't kill a great band! "GO AWAY WHITE" picks up right where the band left off : a wet dream for original fans and a blast of recognition for the new ones.They have inspired countless bands and have mesmerized the masses with their ability to be simultaneously sparse,dark,anthemic and glam.With their new album, entitled "GO AWAY WHITE",Peter Murphy,Daniel Ash,David J and Kevin Haskins have created an album as exciting and relevant as their earlier work.Echoes of "BAUHAUS" have been heard in the work of their heirs and imitators for the past few decades and 25 years after their last studio release the band have returned with yet another undiluted glimpse into their world."BAUHAUS" are back,they are fresh,they are still unique and still capturing and bridging the gap that so bad others try to close without any succes for the past 25 years.

Ginger with his 2008 solo release "MARKET HARBOUR".Ginger is a unique U.K. artist: leader of "THE WILDHEARTS".Vocalist,guitarist,songwriter,lyricist,story teller and story maker.Whether its producing some of the best loved British hard rock music or touring with the "SCORCHERS" (Jason Ringenberger's band) as 'Ginger and The Scorchers' or solo albums or original stints in the "QUIREBOYS" and "THE THROBS".With no break in the music throughout "MARKET HARBOUR" and packed with a weird and wonderful array of samples and loops in addition to instrumentation,the album is a showcase for the diverse talent of Ginger and held together by a terrific cast of musicians that Ginger picked up along the way.

"THE B-52S" return to studio along with producer Steve Osborne (New Order, Happy Mondays, Doves),creating their new release "FUNPLEX".14 years since their last recording,(for the movie 'The Flintstones'),"FUNPLEX" sounds axactly like they did in the '80's.Four founding members on board,Fed Schneider still half-singing,half-shouting in his 50's style,Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson crooning away like pepretual small town prom queens and Keith Strickland can plunk out deceptively simple brain-ticklin' guitar riffs.Sci-fi sounds from the 50's mixed with rockabilly and fresh pop music,together with fun and theese dance rockers for sure you will have a good time.

"SMASHING PUMPKINS" with their EP "AMERICAN GOTHIC".Recorded on the hoof while on a siesta from touring,this acoustic EP shows that the band still has the ability to set aside their vitriolic looks and frustrations and create something to sooth rather than abuse.Following on from their 2007 release "ZEITGEIST",some fans might be strange to this luck of power and non agrressive EP,but the older ones will remember the early days of the 'pumpkins' and songs like 'tonight,tonight' and 'disarm'.After all is a recording between a tour and still has these ghostly vocals and trademark sounds of the "SMASHING PUMPKINS".

"WHITE LION" with their comeback and new release "RETURN OF THE PRIDE".Mike Tramp - Vocals and his friends,Jamie Law - Guitar,Claus Langeskov - Bass,Henning Wanner - Keyboards,Troy Patrick Farrell - Drums,are back with a great release.Some will complain and there is a point,where is mr Vito Bratta and why the name still remains "WHITE LION".Vito Bratta along side with Mike Tramp was the unique maestro of the original band from their begining back in the 80's.Together they brought millions of selling albums and worldwide fame between '83-'93.The album's name is related to one of their most succesful "PRIDE" back in '87 (#11 in the Billboard charts that year, with ’anthem’ singles 'wait' and 'when the childrens cry',scoring #8 and #3 in respect)."RETURN OF THE PRIDE" is a well done production,with Mike singing in a mature way and the rest of the boys giving their best for the 'lions pride'.Except from the voice of Mike Tramp that is not the same like before,also the other boys are not trying to copy the original members! This is a new sound,catchy and classy riffs and solos,dual quitar harmonies,some epic feelings,nice bass and rythm.Theese are the new 'lions',will they 'return the pride'?......That's up to the fans to decide.

"THE ROLLING STONES","SHINE A LIGHT" is the soundtrack to director MARTIN SCORSESE'S film of the same name,which documents "THE ROLLING STONES" performances at New York's 'Beacon Theatre' on October 29 and November 1,2006.With special guests Buddy Guy,Jack White III("WHITE STRIPES") and Christina Aguilera,joining the Stones onstage.The Oscar-winning director captures an extraordinary performance from the band.The deluxe version-2 discs set featuring 22 tracks with expanded packaging.Includes every track from the film,plus four bonus tracks from the shows that were not included in the film: "Paint It Black","Little T&A","Shine A Light" and "I'm Free".The only thing we can say about "THE ROLLING STONES" is that it's much more than rock'n'roll and we like it!

"WHITESNAKE" and "GOOD TO BE BAD".Finally the 'poet of rock music',Mr David Coverdale is back with his 'whitesnakes' and its good for us that they are back and they are'bad boys'! "GOOD TO BE BAD" is the band’s eleventh studio release,and the first release to carry the "WHITESNAKE" insignia,in many years."WHITESNAKE" are doing some of the best work in hard rock music for many decades and all of their signs and trademarks are included in "GOOD TO BE BAD".They came back with the same recipe of success,with more power,with catchy tunes,for sure they dont want to over run their own classic hits,but "WHITESNAKE" prove that hard rock is alive and even in a studio album they can give all the raw power of a live concert.The music,the songs,the rythm,the great 'concert like' masculine vocals of mr Coverdale,all point at one direction: "WHITESNAKE" are 'good to be back'! This is the result of an illustrious career from a band that went from a blues rocking combo to platinum hair metal/hard rock supertstars.As the only original member mr Coverdale essentially is "WHITESNAKE",but replacement guitarist Doug Aldrich acts as a songwriting collaborator for many of the recordings here.Co-produced by Coverdale/Aldrich and long-time friend of the band Michael McIntyre,"GOOD TO BE BAD" is the continium of the "WHITESNAKE" legacy!

"NOXIUS" with their promo EP "THE DYING EARTH"."NOXIUS" are a metal band from Barcelona,Spain.They have produced and promote their album themselves at 'Toxic Forest Studios'.Their music is influenced  by bands such as Iron Maiden,Rammstein,After Forever,Metallica,Epica, Children of Bodom,Dream Theater,Nightwish, Opeth."NOXIUS" started at the fall of 2003 when two members of the splited-up band
Metalside,searched for a new project band in  agreement with their influences.These days,the line-up was formed by Miguel Vega-(guitars and vocals, now in ArboreA),Carlos Vela-(Bass and voices),Jordi Monfulleda-(guitars) and Adrià Monguillot-(Drums).Then,the bands style was near melodic thrash metal / heavy metal with punk attitude.The first and unique gig with that line-up were on a festival of their area,some months latter Miguel leaved 
the band due to personal reasons. fter a time,the other members of the band decided to search for a female singer,a guitarist and a keyboardist and finally found what they searched for in
Laura Gonzalez,Xavier Ameteller (Ex - Clincker) and Eduard Lasheras (Ex - Lycrosia).Then,the style of the band moved next to something more alternative and ecclectic,gothic,industrial metal with rock,heavy and thrash metal."THE DYING EARTH" is a critical capture about the world today and the human being  under the band's experimental vision of rock and metal.Themes like war,the future of the planet,the vision of mankind beeing enslaved under the whip of politics and the dreams for a way out."NOXIUS" current line up is: Laura Gonzalez-vocals,Carlos "LordDan" Vela-bass/vocals,Jordi Monfulleda-guitars,Xavi Ametller-guitars,Adria Monguillot-drums and Eduard Lasheras-keyboards.You can listen to the tracks of "THE DYING EARTH" on our 'on line' radio.

For more information about "NOXIUS" please visit:

www.myspace.com/noxiusmetal

"ROYAL HUNT" with their sequel for "PARADOX",and new release "PARADOX II COLLISION COURSE".The whole concept of prog-metalers "ROYAL HUNT" starts and ends with André Andersen,the maestro himself.At the age of 14,André discovered a different genre of music aside from classical,by accidentally getting "DEEP PURPLE"'s “In Rock”.From that point on,he started to combine his classical chops with the rock form in every piece of music he writes.André speaks of Mozart and Paganini's work as his biggest inspiration aside from people like Rick Wakeman and Jon Lord,who invented the "rock approach" to the keyboards."ROYAL HUNT" went through several member changes during the last ten years and though for most of the bands out there it would’ve been a step back,André found an enormous amount of strength out of every new situation and turned it into a big leap forward with each new studio release.As is this time when the band introduces the new lead singer,Mark Boals (Yngwie Malmsteen,"RING OF FIRE").Mark was born in Youngstown,Ohio,USA.In his early years,he learned to play the piano and bass,but his forte was singing,so as a teenager he gained a lot of experience as a vocalist in local groups.So "PARADOX II COLLISION COURSE" was coming to life with the help also from the other members of the band like Marcus Jidell-guitar,Per Schelander-bass,Allan Sorensen-drums.The album takes off from the idea and atmosphere of its predecessor.No ammunition’s being saved for this one – 6 months of recordings in 'NorthPoint Studio',mixes at 'EMI Studios',best musicianship possible (the band was there to define the term neo-prog with their first release back in 1991) and even a bunch of good friends as participants: Doogie White (Rainbow,Y. Malmsteen), Ian Parry (Elegy,Consortium Project),Kenny Lubcke (Jokers Wild,Narita),Henrik Brockmann (ex-Royal Hunt,Evil Masquerade) among others.And yes, there are female voices,real violins,cellos and woodwinds thrown in for good measure.The lyrical concept is as controversial as the original "PARADOX" – this time concentrating on a "COLLISION COURSE" of modern Western world and “a new breed”,grown on Eastern religious movements.Musically you’ll have it all – the album runs in a non stop fashion (all songs are chained together).There are huge epics,intricate progressive arrangements and all well combined with killer metal melodies."ROYAL HUNT"’s music is used already in movies,TV serials,TV commercials,cellular phone rings and by 'WNO/WWF' wrestlers for their theme anthems around the globe.It’s not a surprise that André was just hired by a major TV network,to write a music score for a TV mini series containing seven episodes.It will air in the winter/spring of 2008.

"MYLAND" with their second full length album and new release "NO MAN'S LAND".The story line behind theese Italian melodic rockers goes like this.Paolo Morbini (ex "EVA","EXILIA","BRUNOROCK" drummer),after a long experience made into many Milan's area rock bands performing original material and cover repertoire from most famous rock bands of the world.Early 90's Paolo have been working in Milan for most important Musical Academy in Italy and there met brothers Stefano (keyboard) and Marco Andreasi (guitar) who were also huge Aor/melodic rock fans just like Paolo was and still is.Guido Priori (vocal) and Adalberto Rizzoli (bass) both grew up into many Milan's rock bands ,were also oldest Paolo's buddies and sometime they jammed into various rock venues performing mostly songs from "TOTO","JOURNEY" and "SURVIVOR".Paolo,after many years of live playing (credited around at 1.800 dates today) decided to record first debut album under "MYLAND" monicker asking the other members of the band to join his project.The album was wrote,arranged,mixed and produced by Paolo Morbini himself and was recorded and mixed into some different steps,using 4 different recording studios one at the time.The band decided to collect on "MYLAND"'s album their most important melodic rock musical influences,trying to capture the sounds as much as they could,concentrating their efforts on melodic rock lines,powerful choruses and vocals and instrumental parts as well.The fact that "MYLAND" still remains a project,all the members were busy with other band.Paolo started writing some new original material for the second "MYLAND" album to come.On 2007 "MYLAND" (Paolo Morbini-drums,Guido Priori-vocals,Stefano Andreasi-keyboards and Marco Andreasi-guitar),replaced Adalberto Rizzoli on bass by Claudio Corazza and add guitarist Marzio Ker on studio session.On early 2007 the band signed a deal with millanaise indie lable 'Valery Records' and have recorded their second pure A.O.R. album called "NO MAN'S LAND".The album was mixed by Marco Barusso at 'Massive Studios' in Milan and mastered by Kee Marcello studio in Sweden.The album will feature also some great special guests ex-"EUROPE" guitarist Kee Marcello,Swedish guitarist wizard Tommy Denander ("CHICAGO","TOTO",Richard Marx,Paul Stanley etc.),keyboards master Alex Del Vecchio ("EDGE OF FOREVER",Glenn Hughes),italian metal guitarist Steve Angarthal ("FIRE TRAILS") and extra vocals by Lia kant.The bands line up: Paolo Morbini-drums,Guido Priori-vocal,Clod Corazza-bass,Will Medini-keyboards,Massimiliano Passerini-guitar,Hox Martino-guitar."MYLAND" can really stand up to the mighty,the strength and the melody of the great melodic rock and A.O.R. giant bands of the 80's and early 90's! "MYLAND" move A.O.R. and its gerne one step further into the future,keeping it alive as it sould be! 

Our own Greek band "FIREWIND" with their 2008 release "THE PREMONITION".Two years since their last release and a one of the strongest melodic metal albums of that year,and a big tour,"FIREWIND" are back with their fifth album.Their style and based music was always melodic power metal,some might say the band sounds different,but i say they sound better,mature and a perfect match between them.Great guitar skills mixed with keyboards,making it sound more dynamic together with very good vocals.The bands line up is: Apollo Papathanasio-vocals,Gus G-guitars,Petros Christo-bass,Bob Katsionis-keyboards,Mark Cross-drums."THE PREMONITION" is finely crafted,with a good production,powerful and ready to send its 'winds of fire' around the world.

Don Dokken with his brand new solo album "SOLITARY".Mr Don Dokken returns this time to the limelight with more slow and acoustic melodies."SOLITARY" is totally different from the melodic hard rock and hair metal of the 80's,that we are used to hear from "DOKKEN" or Don Dokken himself.All of us that we have seen Mr Dokken on stage,we know very well of his music talent and voice.In this album we get to hear a more sincere side to Don Dokken's vocals and it's nice to chill out with him for an hour and actually listen to his voice.Yes it is a mellow acoustic based album,including nine great songs,superb crafted around Don Dokken's great vocals.Different of what we got used to,but that is the magic in it and that is the depth and majesty of Mr Don Dokken's music!

"BROTHER FIRETRIBE" with their new album "HEART FULL OF FIRE".Torsti Spoof and Jari Mikkola did a fantastic job mixing the album at 'Studio Audio',making another great AOR/hard rock release."HEART FULL OF FIRE" was mastered by Svante Forsbäck at 'Chartmakers Studios'.The release date for the album is April 2nd in Finland.UK release and a revised version of their outstanding debut "FALSE METAL"(under a new moniker "BREAK OUT" with bonuses) will be May 12th.The bands line up is: Pekka Ansio Heino-Vocals,Emppu Vuorinen-Guitar
Jason Flinck-Bass/backing vocals,Tomppa Nikulainen-Keyboards and Kalle Torniainen-Drums/percussions.The melodic rockers from Finland are expanding their limits in AOR and melodic rock with their new album,establishing "BROTHER FIRETRIBE",for good in the gerne.Lush melodies,big choruses,catchy tunes,killer vocals and carefree attitude of the late '80s rock,all back in "HEART FULL OF OF FIRE".Guitar player Emppu Vuorinen states: "This is the kind of sound that comes to us naturally.A bunch of easy-going guys making the music they love,what could be better? Furthermore,as our music is certain to attract girls,we've got the best possible motive for making it too!".

"NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS" with their 14th studio album overall,"DIG!!! LAZARUS DIG!!!".Produced by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Nick Launay who worked with the band on their last album "Abattoir Blues" / "The Lyre Of Orpheus",this album was recorded over the summer of 2007 at 'State of the Ark' Studios in Richmond and mixed by Nick Launay."DIG!!! LAZARUS DIG!!!" transports the biblical character of the title to contemporary New York,as well as drawing inspiration from escapologist Harry Houdini.Featuring the majority of his usual personnel in The Bad Seeds (including violinist Warren Ellis and organist / pianist Conway Savage).

Steve Lukather with his 2008 and fourth solo album "EVER CHANGING TIMES".Steve Lukather is best known as guitar player and singer for the legendary "TOTO" and the creator of the holiday classic "Santamental"."EVER CHANGING TIMES" is another musical gem to be added to the list of top quality releases featuring his classic trademarks: exquisite playing,finely crafted productions and a very diverse range of music styles,encompassing heartfelt ballads,straight-ahead rockers and fusion.The list of special guests includes former "TOTO" singer Joseph Williams and "CHICAGO"’s Bill Champlin on background vocals.Leland Sklar on bass,Steve Weingart,Jeff Babko,Randy Goodrum on keyboards and synths plus a Steve Porcaro cameo on one track,Abe Laboriel Jr. on drums and other friends and guest stars who all lent their talent to ensure a truly exciting and fresh result."EVER CHANGING TIMES" is a great melodic rock record,different than "TOTO",but very same with the 'never changing' huge talent and passion of Steve Lukather.

"ICONDEMN" and just a glimpse from their upcoming debut album."ICONDEMN" are a Sweedish metal/new metal band created by René - Lead Guitar/Vocals/Songwriter,Rob - Bass,Benny - Guitar,Markus - Drums/Webtech.In the spring of 2007... René had created 14 unbelievable heavy and unusual sounding songs and presented them to Markus and Rob with the intent to create an amazing metalrecord.Rene says:"We rehearsed for 3 months and found ourself in the position that the world needed to hear such a hard hitting fist in the face-creation.After the recordings were done we found Benny who added an extra heavy riffin´guitar to the band. Uha (the magic Finish man),who lives in the deepest and darkest forest in Finland,did the mixing in 1 month and here we are,ready to condemn..."."ICONDEMN" have sended to us (www.rockaces.com), 4 of their songs,wich you can listen on our 'on line' radio.For more information about the band please visit www.myspace.com/icondemn

"HOUSE OF LORDS" with their new album "COME TO MY KINGDOM".The album will be released on March 14th 2008.James Christian and the rest of the 'Lords',return with a great melodic hard rock release,that will get them even higher in this gerne."COME TO MY KINGDOM" was written during summer of 2007 and recorded in the fall same year,mixed by Dennis Ward in November and December.With epic atmosphere themes,great melodic hard rock songs and ballads,catchy tunes,great song writing and perfect musicianship arrangements,"HOUSE OF LORDS" wellcome us to their rock 'Kingdom'! As James Christian says: “We really had an amazing time with this new CD.I can’t remember when things flowed so easily in terms of writing and recording.I think when people hear the new record they will be able to tell immediately that this is a band with direction and vision”."COME TO MY KINGDOM" was entirely written by the band along with the help of Jeff Kent.James Christian said about this: "Jimi Bell,BJ Zampa,Chris McCarvil and Jeff Kent have been an absolute joy to work with.They are my brothers and they share the same passion to write and perform classic rock songs that will stand the test of time”.And it is true that,"HOUSE OF LORDS",own the 'know how' to keep rock alive!

"OVERDRIVE" return with the album "LET THE METAL DO THE TALKING".Back after an absence stretching almost 24 years,Swedish  traditional metallers "OVERDRIVE" simply 'let the metal do the talking' with an album of 'no-nonsense metal'(as they said),which evokes the best of their 80's legacy with a production and delivery that will be more than welcome with todays metal fans.New vocalist Per "PerilOz" Karlsson joined the four original members of guitar duo Janne Stark (Locomotive Breath, Mountain Of Power) and Kiell Jacobsson,bassist Kenth Eriksson and drummer Kenta Svensson with a guest vocal on the final track from Chris Catena.On the new material Janne Stark comments:"As this is the first album since 1984 we felt quite a great pressure on our shoulders as we don't want to deviate from our old beaten path,at the same time as we didn't want the album to sound dated.Half the songs were actually written back in 1985.I think the combination of the band and young producer/engineer Johan Blomstrom has enabled bridge the gap between 1980-2008.And the new vocalist Per Karlsson,has definitely brought out the best of the band,plus he has done a tremendous job on the vocal arrangements and remedied the vocal shortcomings of our '80s output".If you like metal,if you like to connect the originality of the past with the sound of today,then "OVERDRIVE" will really "LET THE METAL DO THE TALKING" for them!

"LECHERY" with their debut album "VIOLATOR".The band is based on Martin Bengtsson (bassist for "ARC ENEMY" and "ARMAGEDDON").After that,Bengtsson made "LECHERY" and changed his ways as we knew him until now to a more classier metal sound.Martin Bengtsson is the guitarist and the singer of "LECHERY",creating a good classic/melodic metal album."VIOLATOR" has a well done production,including all you need and expect to hear from a metal album.Power songs,catchy tunes,heavy riffs,metal and melodic rythm and good lyrics.Like most of its gerne it is very hard to find originality,but this doesn't mean that the album is not good.Fans of the melodic metal and classic metal will find it very interresting.

"AVANTASIA" with their new release "THE SCARECROW".Five years later and Tobias Sammeth is working again with the new album of "AVANTASIA".With 'The Metal Opera' he released two fantastic power metal albums with vocal contribution of giants like Kai Hanse,David DeFeis and Rob Rock.This time Tobias Sammeth did it again and another great melodic metal release will get him even higher! Power riffs,melodic sounds,operatic arrangements,catchy tunes and a great production behind it,give "THE SCARECROW",a great advance for one of the best metal albums for 2008.The album might be a bit different than what we were used to by Tobias,because "THE SCARECROW" is rockier than his previous works,but it's in the same great quality.

"SANDALINAS" with their brand new release for 2008 "FLY TO THE SUN".Band namesake and Barcelona-born Jordi Sandalinas switched his allegiance from piano to guitar after hearing Maiden's Adrian Smith play. Jordi's musical career started at the Official Barcelona Conservatory of Music (Spain) and also he attended lectures at the New Milford Conservatory of Music (USA) where he took lessons from Terry Syrek, one of the most reputable US shredders. Andy LaRocque got really impressed by Jordi's compositions and produced the debut album of  "SANDALINAS", “Living On The Edge”,featuring "FIREWIND"’s  current singer Apollo Papathanasio.“Living on the Edge” received great reviews from the metal specialized press and other music magazines. Jordi also appeared in the Spanish magazine “Guitarrista”,centered as one of the most important guitarists and musicians of the moment.After the worldwide release of  "SANDALINAS" debut album and successful gigs supporting "SCORPIONS",Iggy Pop,"SAXON","Y&T" and Yngwie Malmsteen,“FLY TO THE SUN” is meant to be the definitive step for "SANDALINAS".The album also features the great vocal talents of singer Rick Altzi ("AT VANCE"),Patrik Johansson (YNGWIE MALMSTEEN) on drums,Mick Cervino ("BLACKMORE’s NIGHT") on bass guitar in the studio and Elias Holmild ("DRAGONLAND") on keyboards.The album features also various guests including Derek Sherinian ("DREAM THEATER") on keyboards on the track “Seasons In The Sand”,Chris Caffery ("SAVATAGE") and Andy LaRocque ("KING DIAMOND") at various guitar solos.The cover was designed by Derek Riggs ("IRON MAIDEN").Good melodic metal songs,massive production done by Andy LaRocque,solid guitar riffs and choruses,including all theese big names, “FLY TO SUN” has the possibility to be amongst the genre’s finest of the year.

"BONFIRE" with their new album "THE RAUBER".The German rockers belong to the top bands of the melodic hard rock and one of Germany's most successful music exports ever! The bands line up is: Clauss Lessmann-vocals,Hans Ziller-guitar,Jurgen(Bam-Bam) Wiehler-drums,Uwe Kohler-bass and Chris Limburg-rythm guitar.Classical drama has never been Claus Lessmann's and Hans Ziller's thing.When director Pierre Walter Politz proposed to work on a project for the stage of the theatre in "BONFIRE"'s hometown Ingolstadt together,they answered: “We hate the theatre!”.But Politz had a clear idea,which material he wanted to work on with the famous melodic rock band: Friedrich Schiller's Storm and Stress drama “Die Räuber”.Schiller's play deals with a very German theme in a truly radical and fascinating way.Then,the "BONFIRE" started a creative process aimed with the original Schiller transcript and an English translation.They came up with twelve songs in a “wild hybrid” of German and English.“Good melodic hard rock with hot ballads”, that's how guitarist Hans Ziller describes the final result himself. During the shows at the theatre,the band will perform live on stage. What does the music sound like? As singer Claus Lessmann puts it: “Just like Bonfire”.No matter if it's a theatrical based album or a normal release,the truth remains the same,that it still is and sounds :"BONFIRE"!

"HELIX" with their new and 11th studio album of pure rock'n'roll "THE POWER OF ROCK'N'ROLL".The Canadian rockers have been rockin the world for more than 3 decades and they don't seem to slow down a bit.The album is exactly what it says! A retro blast of party,pure rock,classic rock and rock'n'roll songs.Produced by Gord Prior,the album closes with a three-minute re-make of the group's early '80's bust-out cut "Heavy Metal Love"."HELIX" still keep their originality and power,even though Brian Vollmer (with his trademark voice) is the only survivor from the original line-up! "THE POWER OF ROCK'N'NROLL" is an entertaining rock'n'roll/hard rock album
keeping us on partying and keeping "HELIX" on their string of albums.

"MADRUGADA" are back in 2008 with a brand new stunning album,having the bands name "MADRUGADA".The album was produced by John Agnello in New York in May 2007,with additional recordings done at 'Svenska Grammofon Studio' in Goeteborg,'Magic Shop' on Manhattan and at 'Water Music' in Hoboken,New Jersey to finish what is most likely the last ever "MADRUGADA" album."Our Time Won't Live That Long" is the first and only "MADRUGADA" song featuring Robert on lead vocals.All songs except for one feature Robert Burås,with additional guitar work done by friends and former collaborators to finish the parts that he did not get a chance to do himself.The one song where he is missing was one that they struggled with for a long time,finally nailing it at a rehearsal the night before he passed away.Released in Norway on January 21st 2008.After the death of Robert Bures no one expected that the band would continue together or they would record a brand new album.But surprising us all "MADRUGADA" did it again,creating a great new age garage rock/alternative indie album.Robert Burås,passed away on 12 July 2007.He was 31 years old.Robert dedicated his life to music. He was guitarist and composer in Madrugada for 12 years.He spent this last year on his band "MY MIDNIGHT CREEPS" and also on composing and recording a new "MADRUGADA" album.Robert passed away at a time when he was at his most creative.Through his recorded work and from stages both domestic and international,he made his eternal mark on Norwegian and international rock history.The bands line up on this album is:  Sivert Høyem-vocals & guitar,Robert Burås-guitar & vocals (track 9),Frode Jacobsen-bass and Erland Dahlen-drums & piano.It seems that "MADRUGADA"'s unique sound will live for ever!

"BAD MEDICHINE" with their cd single "BREAKIN' DOWN" from their upcoming debut album.The band was formed in Athens at 2002.The purpose was to act as a tribute band playing stuff from the 80's Glam Hard Rock.After many live appearances at the local night clubs the band was stable (out of stage) for some time.Until then many members where added in their line up until the band cast was fulfiled so to provide the desired music influences,acting stage show, and more basically inspiration in order to be able to start working on their own songs.The band's purpose now is to make music absolutely based in AOR,hard rock,melodic rock,(of course the influences will be variable as all the members listen to many AOR Hard Rock Bands) and to be a vital member of this music starting from Greece and moving world wide! The first song released is titled 'Breakin' Down' and it is a promo release for 2008.Now the band is in the studio trying to complete the recording of a full length album.So the story begings! "BAD MEDICHINE" are personal friends of 'ROCKACES' and we wish them the best.The truth is that their music is very good,with influences from the 80's glam rock and hair metal,sleaze rock and melodic hard rock.The bands line up is: Ster Dante-Vocals,Chris Roxx-Drums & backing vocals,Jimi G-Bass & backing vocals,John Vendetta-Keyboards & backing vocals and Roy Davis-Guitar & backing vocals.It was about time for "BAD MEDICHINE" to emerge into the GREEK rock music scene and show off,their talent.Listen to them,maybe their 'medichine' will cure you with 'rock'n'roll'! For more information please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/thebadmedicine

"VINDICTIV" with their debut album "VINDICTIV"! But who are they? On vocals we have Göran Edman (Yngwie Malmsteen,John Norum,"MADISON","BRAZEN ABBOT" and more) and on bass Nalle Påhlsson (currently in "TREAT").Starting from this,the album gets very interresting.Basically this is an AOR style album,with great vocals,nice music and rythm and guitars that sometimes can move into hard rock and melodic metal.

"AIRBOURNE" with their debut album "RUNNING WILD".Another original hard rock band from Australia.This kind of pure hard rock music and vocals,had to emerge again."RUNNING WILD" was recorded in L.A. and mixed by the legendary Andy Wallace.The album takes us back to the good old days when booze,girls and rock'n'-bangin' your head-roll parties was all that mattered.Screaming and stomping,with power riffs and great rythm "AIRBOURNE" bring their original hard rock today.Young Australians,but full of mature hard rock,long waited,music!

"SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS" with their first full length album "WE LOVE YOU".The New York glam rockers with a media savvy marketing plan,a clutch of irresistible cock'n'roll songs,an x-rated video that debuted on Perez Hilton's gossip blog (and ranked up to 57,000 plays in a week)."WE LOVE YOU" is a super sleazy-glam rock album produced by Tony Visconti ("T.REX" / Bowie / "THIN LIZZY" / Morrissey) and managrd by BP Fallon ("T.REX" / LED ZEPPELIN" / Johnny Thunders / "U2")."SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS" might as well be the band to bring back the 70's and 80's glam rock decadence.The best of all is,they're giving the stuff away for free! Singer Justin Trantor explains:"Our favourite thing is we just want to play live,as much as possible.We love the way our record sounds and we couldn't be happier with it.But i don't want to make records for the rest of my life,i want to play shows,so the more people that have our music,the more people will come to our shows".But that's not all! Justin created an industry out of band-related jewellery and clothing,all comes with an offer to download the album for free.If you like sleaze-glam rock'n'roll and glitter-punk style music,then "SEMI PRECIOUS WEAPONS" are the answer.

"WE LOVE YOU" is available for free at: http:://semipreciousweapons.com

"THE MARS VOLTA" with their fourth album "THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH".The two chief members,Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodríguez-López,had a bad time with their previous release,so in this album they try harder and in a different way."THE BEDLAM IN GOLIATH" is about a cursed 'ouija board' from Jerusalem that brought ‘bedlam’ on the band.Bixler-Zavala told MTV.com that the ultimate aim of the album is to reverse their perceived bad luck in artistic fashion.The band names this Ouija board "The Soothsayer", as it offers them a story.It's always about a man,a woman and her mother.About the lust and the pain floating between them. About seduction and infidelity.The music is a selection of tunes,of hard rock,strange lyrics,distorsion and some chaotic sounds.A bizarre album,written around an archaic Ouija 'talking board'!?!? A loud album,alive but strange.It's up to the fans to deside.

"CROSSFIRE" with their debut album "DIRTY GAMES".From their myspace page,it seems the Israeli band "CROSSFIRE" have had a fairly checkered and varied career.From doing "GUNS N' ROSES" tribute shows to performing in the Israeli pre Eurovision contest.Formed in 2000 it has taken until 2007 for the band to get their debut album out and thanks to 'Perris Records' this great music work is released to us."CROSSFIRE" capture the 80's rock,melodic rock,sleaze rock and glam,without repeating or copying the old days! It may sound like it is a simple stuff,but not everyone can do it well and effectively."DIRTY GAMES" have managed to combine good vocals,great riffs,massive bass,great verses,killer choruses and rythm.Good rock'n'roll,has no age,no decade,but the 80's rock was and will continue to be alive thanks to bands like "CROSSFIRE". 
 

"CROSSFIRE" WITH

"CROSSFIRE" WITH

"BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE" with their second full length album,"SCREAM AIM FIRE".It seems the band has changed to a bit heavier and stronger sound,more mature,but still will satisfy the fans."SCREAM AIM FIRE" has catchy tunes,aggressive parts,melodic and screaming vocals.Most of the album is into metal music,a couple of ballads,there's also a collaboration with Skindred's Benji Webbe on "Take It Out With Me".The Japanese version includes also a rockier version of Robert Tepper's "No Easy Way Out"."BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE" make an improvement in their sound,showing their talent and giving themeselves a future into music.

"INDIGO DYING" a debut and a project made for Gisa Vatcky (Chilean born, out of a surreal mix of Italian, Swiss, German and English descent).Gisa Vatcky is a singer who has been working with an incredible number of amazing artists.The list would include from Andrea Bocelli to Enrique Iglesias,Placido Domingo,Melissa Etherige,Luis Miguel,Perry Farrell,Meat Loaf and more."INDIGO DYING" is Gisa's debut as lead vocalist on an album.The project was put together specifically to develop her talents,by 'Frontiers Records' President Serafino Perugino and LA-based producer Fabrizio Grossi (Glenn Hughes,Starbreaker).Musicians include Mordechai "Mordy" Hauser (guitar),Fabrizio Grossi (bass,orchestrations,programming,acoustic guitar),John Macaluso (drums) ex "TNT",Malmsteen and "RIOT",Jamie Teramo (keyboards, piano) and Tommy Denander on additional guitars.Former Helloween singer Michael Kiske appears singing a duet in the song 'Breathe in Water',while former Malmsteen and "RING OF FIRE" shouter Mark Boals guests on vocals on 'Superman' and 'Fair Enough'.The result is an extra ordinary album that goes around hard rock,melodic rock,modern rock,even a bit of goth,keeping all the hi standards of musiciaship and of cource Gisa Vatcky's great vocals.

"KHYMERA" with their third studio album and brand new release for 2008,"THE GREATEST WONDER".Starting as a studio project featuring Steve Walsh ("KANSAS") and Italian multi-instrumentist Daniele Liverani ("GENIUS").Working along side on the complete songwriting with the British twin brothers Tom and James Martin ("HOUSE OF LORDS", TED POLEY) and a line-up following the amazing responses gathered by the second album "A New Promise" – features again Liverani's keyboards prowess,Dennis Ward ("PINK CREAM 69") on bass and vocals,Tommy Ermolli on guitars and Dario Ciccioni ("HARTMANN") on drums.Daniele Liverani says: "It was a great journey to produce and arrange these songs provided by the Martin brothers.I tried to give the songs the full and warm sound of the '80s with my keyboard work,but with a touch of modern style. Both Dario on drums and Tommy on guitars did a great job and of course Dennis delivered some incredible vocals and bass too.I truly think this new album is a step ahead for us as a band.With every album we gel better and better together.I can't wait to start working on the next chapter and hopefully to perform some shows during the new year!"."THE GREATEST WONDER" is a pure melodic hard rock album,with soaring vocals,great songwriting and musicianship,catchy tunes and rythms and a great production. 

"THE FRANTIC FIVE" with their second studio album "ON THE MOVE".The is actually 'on the move' for 13 years now,in the garage gerne.The boys from Thessaloniki,Greece,keep amazing their funs with their music.“ON THE MOVE” is the follow-up album after last year’s live CD “A Go-Go At A Cave Near You”.The CD is released by 'ON STAGE RECORDS' and soon the company will release the album on LP.Great compositions,well-structured instrumentation and awesome production in combination with the artwork,immediatly send us back to the 'era' of "THE FRANTIC FIVE".Usually the retro rock'n'roll,garage,psychobily bands,like to use distortion in their sound."THE FRANTIC FIVE" can achive the same sound with clear sounds,deeply respectful towards the originators.Starting from B-movie sounds,moving to farfisa,jumping to retro rock'n'roll,going to rock'n'roll,early fuzz-punk,throwing melodies and non stop swinging moods! "THE FRANTIC FIVE" will keep you 'on the move'!

Lenny Kravitz with his brand new release for 2008 and his eighth studio album,called "IT IS TIME FOR A LOVE REVOLUTION". As Lenny said in a youtube promo for this album:"We've all got our voice.And if I have this gift to play music,then I'm gonna talk about love".The album starts clearly with the pure Lenny's rock sounds and style,no matter if its an up-beat or a balland,Mr Kravitz can still rock like the old times! Drums pound and guitars get abused,hands in the air,stomping feet,well thats the Lenny effect.He can clearly use all of his rock'n'roll past and all theese artists that he ever loved.In the track "Bring It On" Lenny features the soothing sitar of Anishka Shankar."IT IS TIME FOR A LOVE REVOLUTION"???,then Lenny Kravitz can rock our way through.

"FREE SOUL" with their debut album "TEASING WOMAN".Another great rock'n'roll release by 'On Stage Records' in Thessaloniki Greece.Strting from the cover (we mean the girl),its a winner album.But the best is yet to come when you start listening to it."FREE SOUL" are: Andreas Christopoulos-vocals & rythm guitars,Jimmy Stuck-drums & backing vocals,Stelios Karaventzas-lead guitars & backing vocals and George Didas-bass & backing vocals.The band was helped in the recording of some tracks by Little Peter-piano and Alex Oikonomou-harp."FREE SOUL" dedicate their album "TEASING WOMAN" to the memory of ELVIS PRESLEY and JOHNNY CASH! Clean quitars,rolling pianos,great beat and sounds,all included in this pure rock'n'roll 'teasing' album.

"THE BULLETS" with their debut album "FINAL RACE".Finally after many years into the Greek rock'n'roll scene "THE BULLETS" come up with a great pure rock'n'roll album,released by 'On Stage Records'.The band knows the tricks and can easily move through all the styles of rock'n'roll,from teddy boy rock to classic rockabilly and from surf rock'n'roll to doo-wop and pure rock'n'roll."FINAL RACE" has a great production,clean sounds,very good vocals and great rock'n'roll beat! "THE BULLETS" are using a variety of session musicians in this album like: two of their female friends ,for backing vocals,Claire & Mary and then we have the session musicians mostly close friends of "THE BULLETS",such as "The Frantic Five","The Overtones","Blues Wire","Little Peter & The Bad News","Alexandros Perros & The Lone Stars","The Rockets","Dustbowl","Aroma Caribe","Breathless","Blues Mobile","Free Soul" and more, are giving their best to the contribution of the album."FINAL RACE" also includes four great cover-versions: 'Little Sister' by "Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman",'One Cup Of Coffee (And A Cigarette)' by Glen Glenn,'Baby Blue' by Gene Vincent and 'She’s Wicked' by "The Fuzztones",paying this way tribute and respect to the legends of the past.The boys are playing rock'n'roll for many years.Why they named the album "FINAL RACE" we dont know! But for sure,"THE BULLETS" are having their 'first race' with this great rock'n'roll production!

"WORK OF ART" with their debut and long waited album "ARTWORK" finally out by 'Frontier Records'.Lars Safsund,Robert Sall and Herman Furin are the "WORK OF ART".And not because i want to play with words but the album is a bit of an 'artwork'.Pure melodies,well played around A.O.R. and melodic hard rock style.Full of catchy tunes and melodies,that can't stop us from remembering the 80's rock,a shining jewel album for all those that want to keep A.O.R. alive,specially in our days of such confusing music.

"LEVERAGE" with their second album "BLIND FIRE".It seems Finland will continue to give out good bands in metal and melodic metal.Their debut in 2007,"TIDES",was a good production with catchy sounds and songs.This year "LEVERAGE" are doing it even better."BLIND FIRE" is better in every way,starting from the production,the music,the sound,the melodies and the rythm.Melodic metal will be strong in 2008 and theese Finish boys are gonna help a lot: Pekka Heino-vocals,Tuomas Heikkinen & Torsti Spoof-guitars,Valteri Revonkorpi-drums,Pekka Lampinen-bass and Marco Niskala-keyboards.

"SAINT DEAMON" with their debut album "IN SHADOWS LOST FROM THE BRAVE".Sweedish metalers have a strange title and a strange sound.Very clear production,not so much distortion for power metal album and great vocals.The bands line up is: Jan Thore Grefstad-vocals,Nobby Noberg-bass,Toya Johanson-guitars and Ronny Milianowicz-drums.A nice production in metal and power metal,nothing new,but "SAINT DEAMON" can play it well.

"STEREO FALLOUT" with their debut album "THE OTHER SIDE".If you are wondering what could happen when modern rock and pop music go along,then "STEREO FALLOUT" is the result.This album was made 'radio ready',if could say that.The band is lead by Steve Brown known from "TRIXTER" and his own band "40 FT.RINGO".He wrote and co-wrote all of the music in the album.Also played guitar and singing.Steve Brown got also Xandy Barry ("BACKSTREET BOYS","ASHLEY PARKER ANGEL"),grammy award winning producer Skidd Mills and Brian Malouf ("LIT","EVERCLEAR","BON JOVI"),helping out in the mixing of some songs."STEREO FALLOUT" will attract fans from many different styles of rock and not only around.The main sound is modern rock,fresh,nicely blending together pop-rock and hard rock styles,sometimes jumping from one to the other.Modern vocals,'classical' lyrics,rockish guitars and nice vibrating rythm throughout the album.

"LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM" with their yet to be released,by 'Escape Music',brand new album for 2008,"HUNTING SHADOWS".This review will be our first for 2008 releases and we wanted to start with something beautiful! What better than "LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM",a band that we like a lot.Lets start from the past: Mikael Erlandsson,from Gothenburg,is considered to be one of the best singers/songwriters in Sweden today.He recorded four successful solo albums and after being supporting act to Tina Turner and Brian Ferry and after the participation in the 'Eurovision Song Contest',Mikael decided he wanted to do something else.His Japanese record company came up with the idea of putting him together with the fantastic guitar player Andy Malecek from the successfull German hard rock band "FAIR WARNING" for an album project.Mikael and Andy were both hooked by the idea and a plan for the album began to grow.Ian Haugland,Mic Michaeli and John Leven of "EUROPE" were asked if they were interested to join,which they did and the band "LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM" was born! Their self titled debut album resembles the best Scandinavian melodic rock heritage,but also adds a distinctive "FAIR WARNING" influence coming from Malecek guitar playing and songwriting.The band loses 3/5's of their members due to the comeback of "EUROPE".On their second effort "II" founders Mikael and Andy are joined by three great musicians to keep the dream alive: bassist Marcel Jacob ("TALISMAN"), drummer Jamie Borger ("TALISMAN" / "TREAT") and keyboarder Thomas Lassar ("CRYSTAL BLUE").The third chapter "Winter in Paradise" sees the confirmation of the previous line-up,except for Thomas Lassar.On February 19 2007 the band released their fourth excellent album "Saturn Skyline".In 2008 is "HUNTING SHADOWS" to be released,the japanese version includes an extra track and it's been released since 12/19/2007."HUNTING SHADOWS" is the 5th album by Swedish/German melodic hard rock supergroup featuring Mikael Erlandsson on vocals,Andy Malecek ("FAIR WARNING") on guitars,Marcel Jacob (ex-"BILLIONAIRES BOYS CLUB", "TALISMAN", "HUMANIMAL", "YNGWIE MALMSTEEN BAND") on bass and Jamie Borgir on drums.The album will be released on February 22 across Europe."LAST AUTUMN'S DREAM" did it again by creating a masterpiece album in melodic hard rock,with great performances,marvelous melodies, and a perfect combination of quitars,keyboards,punchy bass and rythm! It is a talented piece of work,by four men that know how to write great songs,great music and for sure know all the tricks to dominate once more the melodic rock market."HUNTING SHADOWS" will go 'hunting' for the top! 

STEVE GRIMMETT with his 2007 release "PERSONAL CRISIS".(We review this album as a 2008 one because we got it just a few days ago).2007 was a great year in hard rock and metal music,so the ones that we missed we will present them now."PERSONAL CRISIS" will count as an NWOBHM(New Wave Of British Metal),as it is deep into that.Steve Grimmett started as the great voice behind "GRIM REAPER" and "ONSLAUGHT".Later at the end of the 80's he put together "LIONSHEART".Since then his voice sounds deeper but still sounds great even at high pitched songs.Steve Grimmett's personal album is a bit of a 'personal crisis',because this release will allow him,or not,to continue with the sharp quitars,melodic riffs and the killer vocals.Joanna Ruiz sings on the track "Enemy" along with Grimmett.The fine guitar work is by Ian Nash and the production was made by Dennis Ward.A great heavy metal album in the tradition of NWOBHM.